Though Netflix now boasts quite the catalogue of original shows, back in 2013, Orange Is the New Black was one of the platform's first hits, rapidly developing a devoted following. Six years later, and the shows is releasing its seventh season, which will mark the final season of the series, a fact that was confirmed last fall. The cast have all shared plenty of (tear-jerking) behind-the-scenes glimpses as the show wrapped filming in February.
Even though season six ended with the main character, Piper, (Taylor Schilling) being released early, she will still appear as part of the cast, executive producer Herrmann told The Hollywood Reporter last summer. "She's the grounding force of the show," Herrmann said.
The season will follow Piper on the outside, adjusting to a life of freedom whilst struggling with being seperated from her now-wife Alex (Laura Prepon), who has still has years left on her sentence. The show's beloved inmates on the inside, including Taystee (Danielle Brooks), Nicky (Natasha Lyonne), Suzanne (Uzo Aduba), Black Cindy (Adrienne C Moore), Red (Kate Mulgrew) and Daya (Dascha Polanco), will also be kept track of.
Hermann did also tell The Hollywood Reporter that the season will continue exploring themes of privilege through Piper's character, in the new context of her life after prison."We’re very excited because now we have a few people on the outside, Aleida Diaz (Elizabeth Rodriguez) being one of them," Hermann said. "To be able to show the juxtaposition of what life is like for someone in Aleida’s shoes compared to somebody who is in Piper’s shoes is very exciting for us." Following from the previous season's finale, Taystee will be facing with a life sentence, having been wrongfully convicted of second-degree murder in relation to the death of abusive officer Desi Piscatella, while Blanca Flores (Laura Gomez) is facing possible deportation.
The trailer for the new season (which you can check out below) sees the stars singing along to the show's famous, catchy theme song "You've Got Time," with a message outlining the release date as July 26.